Ford will be expanding their in-car connectivity capabilities by adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to their SYNC3 infotainment system.

“SYNC allows customers to bring the smartphone technology they’re comfortable with into a vehicle and use it without hassle. With SYNC, we move at our customers’ pace – making it easy for them to maintain a connected lifestyle no matter their choice of smartphone, apps or services inside and outside their vehicle,” said Don Butler, Ford executive director, Connected Vehicle and Services.

With the upgraded SYNC 3, iPhone users can activate Apple CarPlay while Android users can activate Android Auto. Other than that, the American automaker's SYNC3 will feature 4G LTE and several new AppLink apps that intends to “help millions of consumers to stay connected behind the wheel.”

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Furthermore, Ford says SYNC3's 4G LTE gives individuals the ability to remotely start the car, unlock the doors, check fuel level and find the parked vehicle by using the smartphone.

On the other hand, Ford has also improved the AppLink apps by including Eventseeker which can find events based on the vehicle location data and Cityseeker that details the best restaurants, and other attractions in more than 500 cities worldwide.

Of note, Apple CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models, while Android Auto works with devices installed with 5.0 (Lollipop) operating system.

First launched in 2007, Ford says there are more than 15 million SYNC-equipped vehicles around the world and is estimated to reach 43 million by 2020.